The company plans to release its second quarter 2006 operating results on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 and will provide additional details at that time.
Talbots Inc has announced total company sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2006 of $571.4 million.
By brand, retail sales were $403.7 million for Talbots compared to $388.8 million last year, and $73.1 million for J Jill, which was acquired effective May 3, 2006. Sales for the J Jill brand represent approx. 20% of the total combined company sales volume.
Total company comparable store sales rose 1.3% for the thirteen-week period. By brand, comparable store sales for Talbots increased 3.0%. This was driven by particularly strong selling throughout June and July, which grew a healthy 6.5% in comp sales for the combined two month period. J Jill's comparable store sales declined 8.2% in the second quarter, below company expectations.
Consolidated direct marketing sales for the thirteen-week period were $94.6 million, including catalog and Internet. For the Talbots brand, direct marketing sales for the June and July combined period were also quite strong, increasing low double digits, while the J Jill direct business continued to be difficult.
The company reconfirmed its previously announced outlook for second quarter loss per diluted share to be in the range of ($0.10) - ($0.08) on a GAAP basis. This range of loss per share includes acquisition related costs and adjustments of approx. $0.18 per share.
marketing@alchempro.com
